Sheffield Wednesday are enjoying their finest season in recent times as they look to cement a play-off place under manager Carlos Carvalhal, and their fans have had some off-field pieces of good news this week to give them even more reason to cheer.

First, they reacted with delight when the popular Portuguese coach was awarded an extension to his contract at the club on Monday after a fine season which has seen performances and results vastly improved.

Now they have been given some more good news as it was announced that fan favourite Barry Bannan has been included in the PFA Championship Team of the Year to recognise his fine debut season at the club.

Former Aston Villa man Bannan joined the Owls from Crystal Palace last summer on a one-year deal but was handed a new three-and-a-half year contract after just over four months as a reward for his impressive displays.

The diminutive midfielder has become a popular figure at Hillsborough for his impassioned and adept performances, and has made 36 appearances in all competitions as well as earning a recall to the Scotland side.

Wednesday fans were quick to show their approval at the 26-year-old being named in the team of the year on Twitter.

Tom Nightingale

After starting to write about football due to lack of any great ability on the pitch, Tom is an NCTJ-qualified sports reporter who has written for Swansea City, the Birmingham Mail, and numerous other publications. An avid Aston Villa fan, he still hasn't got over them not turning up in the 2015 FA Cup final.